News Summary
Lake of the Ozarks is enhancing its appeal as a golf destination with new courses, including The Oaks and the upcoming Cliffhangers at Big Cedar Lodge. With significant renovations and exciting tournaments planned, the region is poised to attract more golf enthusiasts and provide a range of competitive and recreational play options for visitors and locals alike.
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Exciting developments in golf are underway at Lake of the Ozarks, with new courses, tournaments, and facilities enhancing the region’s reputation as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. These improvements offer visitors and locals alike a variety of scenic and challenging golfing experiences, promising both fun and competitive play.
New Golf Course and Renovations at The Oaks
The Oaks Golf Course, located in Osage Beach, has long been a favorite among golfers visiting the region. Originally a historic building formerly known as the Tan-Tar-A ski lodge, The Oaks was transformed into a premier golf destination by the management. The course, designed by renowned golf architects Robert Von Hagge and Bruce Devlin, offers a par-71 layout that challenges players with its rolling terrain and undulating greens.
Ideal for players of all levels, the course features waterways that create strategic hazards and add to the scenic beauty surrounded by lush trees. Since 1989, Director of Golf Paul Leahy has managed The Oaks, bringing a wealth of experience and a commitment to the local golf community. Leahy, who hails from Iowa, has played a critical role in establishing a junior golf association to promote youth participation.
Golfers at The Oaks benefit from a variety of amenities, including daily rates, replays, and nine-hole rounds. The course emphasizes accuracy, with fairways being vital due to the minimal rough, requiring precise shots to score well. A beverage cart operates daily through the fall, and the Oaks Bar serves snacks, coffee, and drinks from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For those seeking more, options include club rentals, golf lessons, and fitting services.
Memberships and League Opportunities
Looking ahead to 2025, The Oaks is offering memberships that include unlimited golf privileges, waived league fees, and exclusive discounts. Membership plans are available for families, singles, and juniors, catering to a wide range of players. Additionally, the course hosts three weekly leagues: a men’s league on Thursdays, a women’s league on Wednesdays, and couples’ leagues on Sundays, fostering a vibrant golf community.
Upcoming Course Opening at Big Cedar Lodge: Cliffhangers
Big Cedar Lodge, another major golf hub at Lake of the Ozarks, is preparing to unveil a new unique golf experience on July 4 with the opening of Cliffhangers, a par-3 course designed by Johnny Morris and his son. This new course is being promoted as the most dramatic par-3 golf course worldwide, featuring steep mountain trails, waterfalls, and breathtaking scenery that challenge players and delight spectators.
Currently, Big Cedar Lodge operates five recognized golf courses, including popular layouts such as Ozarks National and Top of the Rock. The addition of Cliffhangers promises to strengthen its reputation as a top golf resort destination.
Major Golf Tournaments and Events
Further elevating its profile, Big Cedar Lodge will host the Internet Invitational, a golf tournament sponsored by Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, scheduled from August 12-16. This exclusive event is invitation-only and targets influential golf content creators and social media personalities. The tournament boasts a minimum prize pool of $1 million and is designed to promote a relaxed, fun atmosphere, where even less-than-perfect shots are part of the entertainment.
Recognition and Regional Impact
In addition to hosting top-tier courses and tournaments, Big Cedar Lodge has earned high acclaim, being named the No. 1 golf resort in the USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards. These ongoing enhancements and high-profile events underline Lake of the Ozarks’ status as a premier golf destination that combines scenic beauty, challenging courses, and high-stakes competitions for players of all levels.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Golf.com: Big Cedar Lodge Cliffhangers
- OzarksFirst: Top Golf Courses in Missouri
- News-Leader: Barstool Draft Show Golf Tournament
- Travel & Leisure: Gwen Stefani & Blake Shelton Ozarks Vacation
- Lake Expo: Golf Cart Crash in Lake of the Ozarks
- Wikipedia: Lake of the Ozarks
- Google Search: Big Cedar Lodge
- Google Scholar: Golf Tournaments at Lake of the Ozarks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lake of the Ozarks
- Google News: Golf in Missouri
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
